5:03 am - September 2, 2025
Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Mubadala Investment Company are collaborating to create the UAE’s first crewed electric air vehicle, signalling a significant step in green mobility and autonomous systems in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi Polytechnic recently revealed a pretty big partnership with Mubadala Investment Company—honestly, a move that might just be a game-changer—aimed at developing the UAE’s first crewed electric air vehicle. Dr. Yahia M. Al-Smadi, who heads the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology at the polytechnic, mentioned that this collaboration is focused on creating a cutting-edge, manned drone platform designed to be both safe and reliable. It’s also expected to boost the UAE’s standing in autonomous and aerial systems, while encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government sectors.
This project adds a significant feather to the UAE’s cap when it comes to innovative mobility and eco-friendly tech efforts. Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, which has a reputation for applied research, has been quite active in pushing sustainable solutions—like its recent showcase featuring eight pioneering projects. These ranged from electric motors that don’t rely on rare-earth magnets for delivery bikes, to solar-powered air conditioning systems, and even smart photovoltaic cleaning tech—all pointing to a real commitment to tackling environmental issues through advanced engineering.
Mubadala’s involvement isn’t just a random move either. It aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions for smart, sustainable mobility. The company has been involved in various initiatives connected to electric vehicles and autonomous tech in the region. For example, Mubadala recently teamed up with ENGIE to develop a digital platform for electric vehicle charging—an effort to expand infrastructure for cleaner transportation across the UAE and the Middle East. Basically, it’s all part of Mubadala’s plan to support climate goals through innovation in transport sectors that are future-focused.
And, interestingly enough, Mubadala’s role in autonomous mobility extends even further. It recently collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Roborace to accelerate autonomous driving tech, even working on integrating these systems with metaverse applications. On top of that, Masdar City—another big name in sustainability initiatives—has launched Level 4 autonomous vehicle testing with Solutions+, a Mubadala subsidiary. This project aims to validate fully autonomous, driverless vehicles operating in controlled environments, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to next-gen transportation.
Now, while Mubadala has expressed openness to investing in electric vehicles, it’s stressing a careful, case-by-case approach. A company spokesperson noted that although there haven’t been specific announcements on EV investments so far, they’re definitely open to opportunities that align with Mubadala’s broader goals. The new project with Abu Dhabi Polytechnic is a clear step in expanding Mubadala’s footprint in electric and autonomous aerial vehicles—pretty exciting, right? It positions the UAE to be a leader in these emerging tech areas.
As for the technical specs and the exact timeline for the crewed electric air vehicle? Well, those details are still under wraps. Both partners have said they’ll share more info when the time is right. Given the UAE’s push to diversify its economy through climate innovation and smart mobility, this venture could very well open doors for aerial platforms that transform urban transport and logistics.
All in all, this collaboration between Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Mubadala really signals an ambitious move into the world of manned electric aerial vehicles. It aligns well with regional ambitions for sustainability, technological progress, and establishing the UAE’s reputation as a global leader in autonomous systems. As the country continues to roll out initiatives around electric infrastructure, self-driving tech, and green innovation, the development of this electric air vehicle marks an exciting new chapter—not just for the UAE, but for the future of mobility and climate solutions overall.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/air-taxis/abu-dhabi-polytechnic-mubadala-to-develop-uaes-first-crewed-electric-air-vehicle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=abu-dhabi-polytechnic-mubadala-to-develop-uaes-first-crewed-electric-air-vehicle – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/air-taxis/abu-dhabi-polytechnic-mubadala-to-develop-uaes-first-crewed-electric-air-vehicle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=abu-dhabi-polytechnic-mubadala-to-develop-uaes-first-crewed-electric-air-vehicle – Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Mubadala have announced a partnership to develop the UAE’s first crewed electric air vehicle. Dr. Yahia M. Al-Smadi, Head of Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, stated that the initiative aims to create a cutting-edge manned drone platform capable of safe and reliable operation. This collaboration seeks to strengthen the UAE’s role as a leader in autonomous and aerial systems and foster opportunities for collaboration across academia, industry, and government. Further details of the project will be published when available.
- https://adpoly.ac.ae/adp-events/mubadala-open-day/ – Abu Dhabi Polytechnic showcased eight innovative research projects at the Mubadala Applied Research Open Day. These projects include a rare-earth magnet-free electric motor for delivery bikes, a smart rapid-deployment drone, advanced plating technology for electrical connectors, a solar-powered air conditioning system for bus shelters, smart solutions for photovoltaic cleaning and cooling, a smart cleaning robot for high-rise buildings, a cryogenic CO2 transport system, and a carbon capture utilization and storage system with biochar injection in depleted oil and gas reservoirs. These initiatives reflect ADPoly’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges and advancing sustainable practices. ([adpoly.ac.ae](https://adpoly.ac.ae/adp-events/mubadala-open-day/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.mubadala.com/en/news/mubadala-and-engie-sign-mou-advance-sustainable-mobility-in-abu-dhabi-and-the-middle-east – Mubadala Investment Company and ENGIE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a digital platform for charging electric vehicles in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. The agreement aims to create a joint solution for the installation and operation of charging infrastructure in the UAE and explore further areas of collaboration related to sustainable mobility. This initiative supports the UAE’s climate action agenda by advancing future-focused sectors in technology and mobility. ([mubadala.com](https://www.mubadala.com/en/news/mubadala-and-engie-sign-mou-to-advance-sustainable-mobility-in-abu-dhabi-and-the-middle-east?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/adio-mubadala-and-roborace-sign-mou-to-advance-autonomous-driving-metaverse-development-in-abu-dha – The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mubadala Investment Company, and Roborace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive innovation in the mobility sector and the intersection of physical and virtual reality in Abu Dhabi. The agreement focuses on developing innovative products based on autonomous technologies and Roborace’s metaverse infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology, with an emphasis on sustainability. Roborace will also consider establishing its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi and operating its autonomous racing series from the city. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/adio-mubadala-and-roborace-sign-mou-to-advance-autonomous-driving-metaverse-development-in-abu-dha?utm_source=openai))
- https://abudhabi.evinnovationsummit.com/2025/07/16/masdar-city-launches-level-4-autonomous-vehicle-testing-advancing-abu-dhabis-smart-mobility-vision/ – Masdar City has officially launched the testing phase for Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) in partnership with Solutions+, a Mubadala company specializing in intelligent mobility solutions. This initiative is part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and focuses on the registration, testing, and regulatory approval of Level 4 AVs capable of operating entirely without human intervention within a defined area. The project underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to embracing next-generation transport technologies and reinforces Masdar City’s position as a global clean-tech and smart mobility hub. ([abudhabi.evinnovationsummit.com](https://abudhabi.evinnovationsummit.com/2025/07/16/masdar-city-launches-level-4-autonomous-vehicle-testing-advancing-abu-dhabis-smart-mobility-vision/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/is-mubadala-interested-in-electric-vehicles-1.535990 – Mubadala Investment Company has expressed openness to investing in electric vehicles if opportunities arise that align with their investment criteria. While Mubadala has not previously announced specific interests in the electric vehicle sector, a company spokesman confirmed that they would consider such investments if they meet their strategic objectives. This indicates a potential future involvement in the electric vehicle market, contingent upon suitable opportunities. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/is-mubadala-interested-in-electric-vehicles-1.535990?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was first published on August 27, 2025, in Urban Air Mobility News. A similar announcement was made by Archer Aviation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office on October 16, 2023, regarding the launch of an all-electric air taxi service across the UAE. ([news.archer.com](https://news.archer.com/archer–abu-dhabi-investment-office-announce-plan-to-launch-archers-all-electric-air-taxi-service-across-the-uae?utm_source=openai)) The report appears to be original, with no evidence of recycled content. The partnership between Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Mubadala is a new development, indicating high freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes a direct quote from Dr. Yahia M. Al-Smadi, Head of Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. A search for this quote reveals no earlier usage, suggesting it is original. The wording matches the original source, with no variations found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Urban Air Mobility News, a specialised publication focusing on air mobility developments. While it is a niche source, it is dedicated to the subject matter and appears to be reputable within its domain. The report cites Dr. Yahia M. Al-Smadi, a verifiable individual with a public presence, lending credibility to the information.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The development of a crewed electric air vehicle by Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Mubadala aligns with the UAE’s ongoing efforts in sustainable and autonomous mobility. The report provides specific details, including the involvement of Dr. Yahia M. Al-Smadi and the focus on safety and reliability. The language and tone are consistent with official communications, and there are no inconsistencies or red flags.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is original and fresh, with no evidence of recycled content. The direct quote from Dr. Yahia M. Al-Smadi is unique and matches the original source. The source, Urban Air Mobility News, is a specialised publication with a focus on air mobility developments, and the information is corroborated by verifiable details. The claims made are plausible and align with the UAE’s strategic initiatives in sustainable and autonomous mobility. The language and tone are consistent with official communications, and there are no inconsistencies or red flags.
